The Philadelphia Story (1940) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself. Director: Donald Ogden Stewart (screen play), Philip Barry (based on the play by) Stars: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 34 titles created 24 Jul 2011 a list of 30 titles created 31 Aug 2011 a list of 43 titles created 26 Feb 2013 a list of 33 titles created 9 months ago a list of 33 titles created 2 months ago Title: The Philadelphia Story (1940) 8/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 2 Oscars.

Another 3 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards » Videos A newspaper editor uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife from remarrying. Director: Howard Hawks A drama critic learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his family. Director: Frank Capra In Africa during World War I, a gin-swilling riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced missionary to use his boat to attack an enemy warship. Director: John Huston 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.9/10 X A young man falls in love with a girl from a rich family. His unorthodox plan to go on holiday for the early years of his life is met with skepticism by everyone except for his fiancée's eccentric sister and long-suffering brother. Director: George Cukor Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand each other, without realizing that they are falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal.

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Director: Frank Capra Edit Storyline Philadelphia socialites Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven married impulsively, with their marriage and subsequent divorce being equally passionate. They broke up when Dexter's drinking became excessive, it a mechanism to cope with Tracy's unforgiving manner to the imperfect, imperfections which Dexter admits he readily has. Two years after their break-up, Tracy is about to remarry, the ceremony to take place at the Lord mansion. Tracy's bridegroom is nouveau riche businessman and aspiring politician George Kittredge, who is otherwise a rather ordinary man and who idolizes Tracy. The day before the wedding, three unexpected guests show up at the Lord mansion: Macaulay Connor (Mike to his friends), Elizabeth Imbrie - the two who are friends of Tracy's absent brother, Junior - and Dexter himself. Dexter, an employee of the tabloid Spy magazine, made a deal with its publisher and editor Sidney Kidd to get a story on Tracy's wedding - the wedding of the year - in return for Kidd not ... Written by Huggo See All (85) » Taglines: Broadway's howling year-run comedy hit of the snooty society beauty who slipped and fell - IN LOVE!

See more » Genres: 17 January 1941 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Die Nacht vor der Hochzeit See more » Filming Locations: Mono (Western Electric Sound System) Color: Did You Know? Trivia Katharine Hepburn 's swimming pool dive is the real thing. No doubles were used. See more » Goofs When Tracy and Dexter are talking about the information that Kidd has on her father, Dexter hands her pictures and the story of her father and the dancer, Teena Mara. After Tracy shuffles through the paper multiple times, there doesn't seem to be anything written, typed or have pictures on this paper. See more » Quotes George Kittredge : You're like some marvelous, distant, well, queen, I guess. You're so cool and fine and always so much your own. There's a kind of beautiful purity about you, Tracy, like, like a statue. George Kittredge : Oh, it's grand, Tracy. It's what everybody feels about you. It's what I first worshipped you for from afar. Tracy Lord : I don't want to be worshipped. I want to be loved.

Sobre las olas (Over the Waves) (1887) (uncredited) (Buffalo, New York) – See all my reviews After Katharine Hepburn was one of a group of stars dictated "box office poison" by the ruling moguls of Hollywood she went east and scored a complete triumph on stage with The Philadelphia Story. But our Kate was the shrewd one, she had the foresight to buy the film rights from author Philip Barry and peddle them to the studio that would guarantee her repeating her stage role and giving her creative control. On stage she had co-starred with Joseph Cotten, Van Heflin, and Shirley Booth all of whom became movie names later on, but meant nothing to Hollywood in 1940. She had the choice of leading men and cast in their places, Cary Grant, James Stewart and Ruth Hussey. This was Grant's fourth and final appearance on screen with Hepburn. It's a typical Cary Grant part, witty and urbane, with a touch of the rogue in him. He's Hepburn's ex-husband, still very much in love with his ex-wife, but she's marrying stuffed shirt John Howard.

Reporter James Stewart and photographer Ruth Hussey are covering Hepburn's wedding for Spy Magazine, the National Enquirer of the day. Through a little judicious blackmail they're invited to this premier society wedding, but both feel out of place and used. After The Philadelphia Story, Katharine Hepburn was a movie name the rest of her long life. Even with an occasional clinker no one ever questioned her about being box office poison. James Stewart won the Best Actor Oscar in probably the most romantic he was ever on the screen. A lot felt it was a consolation Oscar for not winning it for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington in 1939. Stewart himself proclaimed to all who'd listen that he voted for good friend Henry Fonda in the Academy Sweepstakes for The Grapes of Wrath. I've always felt that when Stewart talked about those hearth fires banked down low to Hepburn, he was really talking about himself. He's a cynical fellow at first and his romantic side comes as a surprise to him more than even the audience. The Philadelphia Story has become such a classic that even the musical remake High Society doesn't try to copy it, it just presents a softer musical alternative.

But I'd kind of liked to have seen Hepburn do this with her original cast as well. Oscars were in the future for Van Heflin and Shirley Booth and Joseph Cotten the following year made his debut in the biggest film of all. 39 of 47 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes The Philadelphia Story (1940) Starring: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart - Three Movie Buffs Review Reviewed on: May 9th, 2003 Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story. After a blockbuster start to her movie career in the early thirties Katharine Hepburn seemed to have run out of gas by 1936. She was labeled box office poison and after a string of flops (including what is now considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time Bringing Up Baby) took her wounded pride back to the stage in New York. She had immediate success with The Philadelphia Story and was smart enough to use it as a means of re-conquering Hollywood.

With her pal George Cukor directing and the impressive combination of Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart as her co-stars, she hit a home run and remained on top in the picture business for the next half a century. More romantic comedy than screwball farce, The Philadelphia Story covers roughly twenty four hours in the life of the Lord family, sitting at the pinnacle of Philadelphia society. Eldest daughter Tracy (Hepburn) is preparing for her second marriage. While her first was to the equally rich and charming C. K. Dexter Haven (Grant) this time around she is marrying a man of the people, a Mr. George Kittredge (the wooden John Howard) who has pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Meanwhile father Lord has put the family in an embarrassing situation through his philandering with a young show girl. Spy Magazine threatens to spill the beans unless the Lords allow them to send a reporter and photographer to cover the nuptials. For the second time in 1940 Cary Grant plays a husband bent on reconciling with his ex-wife. Although unlike his character in His Girl Friday C. K. Dexter Haven is a true gentleman. He knows the spoiled and strong willed Tracy better than she knows herself.

Still his screen-time is limited. Both Hepburn and Stewart have juicier roles. Stewart, as reporter MaCaulay Connor, sinks his teeth into his role as the man who gets drunk with Tracy on the eve of her 2nd marriage and spends a rather suggestive evening with her and the swimming pool. He teaches her to let her guard down and to trust her heart by treating her as a passionate woman and not a austere goddess. My favorite line is when he tells her she has "Holocausts and hearth fires" in her. Hepburn, for her part, perfectly exemplifies the intelligent, brittle and judgmental society darling with an inner goodness. By the final credits she is a changed woman. Other amusing characters include a precocious younger sister, a lecherous uncle and the lady photographer in love with Connor. Remade as a musical in the fifties, The Philadelphia Story is a landmark movie featuring three of the greatest stars ever to light up the screen. When the AFI recently did their list of the top male and female movie stars of all time, Katharine Hepburn topped the list for women and Cary Grant and James Stewart were numbers 2 and 3 respectively on the men's list.

Now that's star power. Did you enjoy Patrick's review? +26 Reviewed on: May 13th, 2003 Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story. Patrick is right on when he talks about this movie's star power. Hepburn, Grant and Stewart are three of the greatest stars of the the 20th Century. This film is a joy to watch just to see these three legendary movie stars together. My favorite scene in this movie is where a drunken Connor goes to visit C. K. Dexter Haven in the middle of the night. They end up having a drink and a conversation. Legend has it that Stewart messed up his line in this scene. If you watch it you can see Grant smiling at Stewart as he tries to recover. The story goes that Cukor liked the take and left it in. Hepburn is a stitch acting eccentric for the reporters. Her chemistry with Grant is solid, however, it is Stewart who often steals the scenes. In fact, he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, even though the part is more of a supporting character. This movie has three great stars perfectly cast in a well written movie.

This is a classic that belongs in any, and every, old movie buffs collection. Watch this movie and see what real movie stars look like. Did you enjoy Eric's review? +22 Reviewed on: August 23rd, 2003 Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart in The Philadelphia Story. I couldn't agree with my brothers more. The Philadelphia Story is a classic movie featuring three of the silver screen's greatest and most enduring stars. Growing up I watched and enjoyed the musical remake (High Society) that Patrick alluded to, many times. It wasn't until years later that I finally saw this, the original and far superior, version. Don't get me wrong, High Society is a classic unto itself, but despite their musical talents, Bing and Frank are no match for Jimmy and Cary in the acting department. And while Grace is better looking, her interpretation of Tracy Lord is more of a spoiled brat than the strong-willed Katharine version. And while some of the dialogue and attitudes seem dated in both versions, they seem easier to forgive in this movie, since it's that much older. While Eric and Patrick both single out Jimmy Stewart as the scene-stealer in this movie, I still favor Cary Grant.

He doesn't get the jokes that Stewart does, but he still manages to be the heart of this movie. His former alcoholic, sophisticated C.K. Dexter Haven performance is subtle, but superb. I'm not the classic movie nut that my brother Patrick is, but I have to say that I am an enormous fan of Cary Grant. Witty and intelligent, The Philadelphia Story is classic Hollywood at its very best. Did you enjoy Scott's review? +23 The Philadelphia Story [VHS] [1940] [1941]: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Mary Nash, Virginia Weidler, Henry Daniell, Lionel Pape, Rex Evans, Joseph Ruttenberg, George Cukor, Frank Sullivan, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Donald Ogden Stewart, Philip Barry, Waldo Salt: Amazon.co.uk: Video The Philadelphia Story [VHS] [1940] [1941] Only 1 left in stock. This seller does not deliver to the United States.

Learn more 3 new from Â£5.99 7 used from Â£2.42 3 collectible from Â£3.98 See all buying options Â£5.99 Only 1 left in stock. Dispatched from and sold by Discountdiscs-UK : Dispatched daily from the UK. . Product details Format: PAL, Full Screen, Black & White Language: English, French VHS Release Date: 19 Feb. 2001 Run Time: 108 minutes Product Description Product Description Classic romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart. Wealthy Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord (Hepburn) is set to marry the politician and businessman George Kittredge (John Howard), but her wedding plans are complicated by the arrival of her irresponsible ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Grant), with magazine reporter Macauley Connor (Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) in tow. Tracy resolves to give them a story they will never forget but finds herself re-evaluating her life choices in the process.

The film was remade as the musical 'High Society' in 1956 starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. From Amazon.co.uk Recreating the role she originated in Philip Barry's wickedly witty Broadway play, Katharine Hepburn stars as the spoiled and snobby socialite Tracy Lord in this sparkling 1940 screen adaptation of The Philadelphia Story, one of the great romantic comedies from the golden age of MGM studios. Applying her impossibly high ideals to everyone but herself, Tracy is about to marry a stuffy executive when her congenial ex-husband (Cary Grant), arrives to protect his former father-in-law from a potentially scandalous tabloid exposé. In an Oscar-winning role, James Stewart is the scandal reporter who falls for Tracy as her wedding day arrives, throwing her into a dizzying state of premarital jitters. Who will join Tracy at the altar? Snappy dialogue flows like sparkling wine under the sophisticated direction of George Cukor in this film that turned the tide of Hepburn's career from "box-office poison" to glamorous Hollywood star. --Jeff Shannon The Philadelphia Story Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb Reviews from users who voted this title more than 8.0.

Reviews from users who voted this title more than 8.0. Page 1 of 14: 132 matching reviews (187 reviews in total) 62 out of 71 people found the following review useful: Hepburn's Ferocious Comeback. 17 April 2005 *** This review may contain spoilers *** A movie custom-made to fit the personality of an arrogant but headstrong movie star, a play with dialog that sizzles with so much ferocity that it threatens to leap out the confines of its own frame, performances that could not have and have not have been excelled ever since, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY is one of the best screwball comedies ever made and the third to pair her with Cary Grant with whom she worked so completely well. Hepburn had asked that Tracy and Gable be her leading men but looking at this film, for all the chemistry that Tracy and Hepburn ever had and all the talent Gable had for acting in comedic farce, I can't imagine either of them playing any of the two leading males that are after Tracy Lord's love. That Grant plays C. K.

Dexter "Dex" Haven so perfectly well, and his opening scene with Hepburn is the stuff of movie history, only rectifies that. That Stewart embodies the essence of MaCauley Connors as if he were in fact the character just proves how strong an actor he was, and one who didn't have to resort to extreme emoting to make his point. That the three make for the most memorable romantic triangle in film history is probably an understatement. Of course the story is old. Of course the character motivations are dated. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY belongs perpetually in its own time, the late 1930s (when it was written and performed on stage), when sensibilities towards the rich were much different than they are today.

The whole bit of the society princess being humbled to become a better person is really a thinly disguised fable that tells the story of how Hepburn, who had made such a powerful debut in film with her appearance in A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT, quickly established a personality so abrasive (she wouldn't do interviews or cheesecake, it is rare to find a Hepburn picture from the 30s where she is dolled up) that it translated into box-office bomb after bomb and by 1938 she was all but washed up. Tracy Lord's return to humankind is really the story of Hepburn's return to the world of acting even if she retained her abrasiveness to her last days. And of course, who better suited for this role than Hepburn herself, who had done the role on stage and by the time Hollywood came (reluctantly) calling -- they wanted Norma Shearer, who in my opinion could have carried it off but differently -- knew the part in and out (and owned the rights to the play in a shrewd move).

We can't imagine anyone else playing this role, which is why when the inevitable musical remake was made in 1956 with Grace Kelly in the lead, it misfires, and no amount of Cole Porter could save it even if it was a commercial success. But regardless being dated, maybe too talky for some, what a movie. To see the utter craziness of the plot which backfires at least twice and creates a sense of really not knowing what will happen next (even when we know on a certain level Hepburn and Grant will wind up in each other's arms) is the stuff romantic comedy is made of. Oscar nominated in almost every major category, it won two -- Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay -- but over the years it's grown beyond statuettes and remains as one of the greatest films of the 20th Century. Was the above review useful to you? 67 out of 87 people found the following review useful: My favourite 1940s Comedy from Sydney, Australia 1 January 2000 Katharine Hepburn, my favourite actress, gives the performance of her career as Tracy Lord, a spoilt Philadelphia socialite.

The movie is a triple treat, with my other two most favourite actors, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, in the other lead roles, Cary as Tracy's former husband C.K Dexter Haven, and Jimmy as the peeved reporter who Kate falls in love with. Although there has been much written about Jimmy Stewart not deserving the Oscar that year, if it was given for the Academy passing over his performance in "Mr Smith Goes to Washington", then it was well deserved. Cary Grant deserved a nomination, and Kate definitely should have taken out the prize for the year. I could be going to extremes, but I think this was definitely the movie that deserved to take home the statuette for Best Picture of 1940. I have seen both "Rebecca" and "The Grapes of Wrath", movies highly acclaimed that year, but neither has ever come close to "The Philadelphia Story". The first time I watched it I missed not only most of the witty one-liners, but the whole point of the story. It was the first movie I watched with each of the three stars. Almost a year later after I viewed it again I couldn't believe how I could have passed over such a rare gem.

As a fourteen year old, I can't be pretentious in definitely knowing the real themes of the movie. Maybe something in the way of humility and degrees of acceptance, I'm not so sure. I have thought about it a lot, but have only reached the conclusion that it is one of those 'feel good' movies that is re-watchable. There are things about it, even close to my tenth viewing, that I am still picking up on. Lead by Ruth Hussey and Virginia Weidler, the supporting cast of "The Philadelphia Story" is one of the finest I have seen. With Cole Porter songs, and yet another star cast, this movie was shockingly remade into the musical "High Society" in 1956. On all accounts, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm cannot match the sophistication and wit of the non-musical cast. It seemed too much like recycled humour, despite its attempts to modernize an immortal story. This movie is a slice of Old Hollywood that must not be sampled once to enjoy it. It should be taken in many times!

Rating: 10/10 from Indianapolis, IN 5 October 2003 That this brilliant story originated on stage is obvious. The stage requires personas of epic and electric beauty. Philadelphia Story boasts three of the brightest stars that ever burned to occupy these personas, which they do with miraculous luminance. The play, of course, was written for Hepburn by Phillip Barry, and after over 400 performances on Broadway she cleverly bought the film rights right out from under the noses of Hollywood moguls who fancied themselves smarter than Dear Kate. This came at a time when Hepburn was tops on the list of stars who had been labeled box office poison by producers. The dynamics between the stars are legendary. Finer actors never lived, and these are the performances of a lifetime for each of them. Stewart is funny, smoldering, passionate and moving and he has moments, many of them, of stunning brilliance in each of those emotions. Grant is his typical stilted and elegant self, funny, gracious, urbane and, yes, beautiful. And then there is Hepburn.

She is breathtaking to look at, and she plays your heart strings in a masterful glissando plucking at every emotion as she moves effortlessly across her entire unmatched range. The supporting cast is worthy of the surplus of talent that surrounds them, and offer a few unforgettable moments of their own. And the presence of George Cukor, the greatest director of women in history, and the best director of Hepburn as well, coaxes every brilliant word of the script to its full potential. You must not miss this treasure simply because it is from another era. It depicts that era with insight and irreverence that expose it, and the rarified world of old Philadelphia Money (yes, with a capital "M") like few films of its time, or any time, could. Every time I watch this movie, and the frequency would embarrass me if I were honest about it, I love it more. Watch it. Study it. Assimilate every second of it and your understanding and appreciation of cinema will be enriched for it. And you'll have a great time doing it! Was the above review useful to you?

44 out of 56 people found the following review useful: Peerless cast, witty script gives this classic comedy of manners ageless appeal. from Los Angeles, California 9 May 2001 They say "the idle rich is the devil's playground." Well, never has the playground been more playful or fun than in "The Philadelphia Story." It's so gratifying to know that vintage movies like "The Philadelphia Story" will outlive us all. Playwright Phillip Barry certainly had an ear for sophisticated chatter and, along with "Bringing Up Baby" and "Holiday," he singlehandedly defined the term "screwball comedy" in the late 30s. And so it is fortunate for all of us that the screen adaptations of each of these classic Broadway plays are classics in their own right. Katharine Hepburn, who starred with Cary Grant in all three of the aforementioned films, plays society prig Tracy Lord, a spoiled, temperamental rich girl who owns a will of iron and a heart to match. What she wants more than life itself is to experience true love like a down-to-earth REAL person, but is she capable of it? A stormy first marriage to C.K.

Dexter Haven (Grant) has not taken the wind out of her sails, so she decides to make a go of it again. Announcing her forthcoming marriage to wealthy George Kittredge, a rather staid, uptight sort, it comes off more like a match made in gold than in heaven. However, the stubborn Tracy is convinced she is in love this time. Around to disrupt the wedding plans is Tracy's former husband, who still has feelings for her and her family, her estranged scandal-ridden father, her young, precocious sister, and a posterior-pinching uncle. Also hovering around the Lord estate is tabloid reporter Liz Imbrie and her photographer Mike Connor, assigned to cover the impending nuptials and, of course, scout out any juicy gossip. With a deft ensemble and crisp, intuitive direction (George Cukor), the dialogue blisters with furious fun (courtesy of Oscar-winning scripter Donald Ogden Stewart), with every character having his or her chance to bask in the limelight. Hepburn, who was considered "box-office poison" at the time, revitalized her Hollywood career with "The Philadelphia Story," smartly buying the film rights to ensure her starring role.

Dripping with frilly-edged sarcasm, she makes full use of her clipped Bryn Mawr speech tones. But her ultimate triumph is that her 'ice queen' demeanor never alienates the viewer. We still root for Tracy to come down to earth, rejoin the human race and live out that fairy tale ending. Cary Grant is as smooth as silk pajamas as Tracy's first husband, raring and ready to pull her off that mighty pedestal she's placed herself so high on. Synonymous with elegance and style, I doubt there is another actor who can handle martini-dry banter the way he does. He is flawless -- in a class by himself. The real revelation, however, is Jimmy Stewart as the smitten photographer who is only too willing to keep Tracy perched on that pedestal. Stewart, who won the Oscar, breaks from his usual "aw shucks" mode to show a surprising comic range. His midnight poolside soliloquy with Kate is wondrous and lingers long after the closing credits.

Completing the romantic quadrangle is the wonderful Ruth Hussey, who inherits the wisecracking Eve Arden role, the good-natured trooper who always seems to come in second man-wise. Hussey takes the ball and runs with it, giving the ripest performance of the bunch. Additional praise must be given to Mary Nash, as Tracy's flowery, meticulous mother; young tomboy Virginia Weidler, an adroit little scenestealer, for keeping up with the big folks and offering a wickedly smart-assed rendition of "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady"; John Howard for his dour, stuffy groom-to-be and good sportsmanship as the butt of many a joke; John Halliday, who manages a couple of razor-sharp scenes as Hepburn's reproaching father, and Roland Young, who played Cosmo Topper in the delightful "Topper" film series, for adding his typical brand of bemused merriment as lecherous Uncle Willy. From the opening classic bit with Hepburn and Grant squaring off to the church altar denouement, "The Philadelphia Story" provides a wealth of entertainment. It's a rare, rich package even the Lord family can't buy!

Was the above review useful to you? 37 out of 46 people found the following review useful: Three legends in their prime from Atlanta, GA 20 May 2001 This is a delightful romantic comedy about the life and loves of a high society girl. Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) is about to be married to George Kittredge (John Howard), a self made man who elevated himself from the lower class. The wedding is supposed to be a private affair, but Tracy's ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) blackmails her into letting two reporters, Macaulay Conner and Elizabeth Imbrie (James Stewart and Ruth Hussey) cover the event. What ensues is a screwball courtship for the heart of Tracy as everyone falls in love with her at once. Director David Cukor (`Little Women', `My Fair Lady') provides a fast paced comedy with rapid-fire repartee and fosters a bubbly chemistry between the cast members, which brims with laughs. Cukor received one of his five Oscar nominations for this film and it was well deserved. Katharine Hepburn is marvelous as the blueblood bride to be.

She is a well-grounded girl who is not beyond putting on airs for show. She is simultaneously sassy and dreamy and her comic timing is superb earning her one of twelve nominations for best actress. Despite a star's billing, Cary Grant plays a supporting role as the sarcastic Dexter Haven. With his deadpan delivery, he provides the perfect foil to Hepburn and Stewart. Even with the luminous cast, Jimmy Stewart steals the show with a comedic tour de force. His inebriated scene with Cary Grant is uproariously funny and his puppy dog wooing of Katherine Hepburn is enchanting. It is hard to believe that James Stewart only won one Oscar in his outstanding career. Though nominated five times, the only role for which he won the statue is this one, a performance that is unquestionably among his best. This tremendous comedy brings together three screen legends at the peak of their careers. It was nominated for six Academy Awards winning two, and it was rated #51 on AFI's top 100 of the century. It is a timeless classic that is sure to please. I rated it a 10/10. See it and enjoy. Was the above review useful to you?

34 out of 45 people found the following review useful: Main Line society wedding from New York 11 April 2005 The excellent play by Phillip Barry, is the basis for the delightful transfer to the screen. The choice of George Cukor as its director seems to have been made in heaven. Indeed, Mr. Cukor clearly understood what was needed to make this film the classic it became. George Cukor's contribution, as well of the magnificent screenplay, by Donald Ogden Stewart, make this a timeless comedy that looks as fresh today as when it was originally released. It helps tremendously that Katherine Hepburn had played Tracy Lord on the stage and knew what made her tick. Ms. Hepburn, an actress of enormous talent, is the embodiment of this society woman. Katherine Hepburn clearly understood her character. Having come herself from a privileged family, she was able to get deep inside her character. Tracy Lord is going to be married to George Kitteredge, a man from her own social circle. Deep down inside, Tracy can't get her mind from the man she really loves, the rascal Dexler. The casting of Cary Grant as C.K. Dexler was a touch of genius.

Mr. Grant had played opposite Ms. Hepburn before. He was an actor that always delivered and was always a welcome addition to any of the movies of the period. Mr. Grant, with his good looks, makes the perfect man to play the part. As Dexler, the man who broke Tracy's heart, he returns just before the wedding, perhaps to remind her he's still loves her and can't get her out of his mind. James Stewart was the other happy casting of "The Philadelphia Story". He was relatively unknown to the movie going public, but he left his mark all over the picture. As McCauley (Mike) Conner, this actor was perfect. As the tabloid reporter infiltrating the society wedding he proved his impeccable sense of timing. Ruth Hussey, contributes to the film in unexpected ways. Virginia Weidler, as Dinah, is irresistible. The rest of the ensemble cast is a director's dream. Mary Nash, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday, Henry Daniel and the rest, are perfect. "The Philadelphia Story" will keep delighting audiences for many years to come. Was the above review useful to you?

21 out of 29 people found the following review useful: The Great Romantic Comedy from Canada 1 January 2005 Definitely the greatest romantic comedy of all time The Philadelpha Story raises the bar in Hollywood movies. The film is set around the wedding of one of Philadelpha's highest society women (Katherine Hepburn). Her ex-husband who is expertly played by Cary Grant hears of this and decides to crash the party. He does this by bringing along two reporters (James Stewart & Ruth Hussey). They come undercover to get some behind the scene snapshots of the wedding. Of course the results of all this is hilarious. Stewart and Hussey give ground breaking performances as the reporters. Besides this winning best picture Jimmy Stewart won a well deserved Oscar for best actor in his role. Of course a great comedy would not be complete without the beautiful, charming, hilarious, Katherine Hepburn who never fails to impress. Gave yet another fantastic and unforgettable performance. Films like this aren't made nearly as well or even made anymore. All the more reason to treasure these wonderful works of art and history.

Gerg Cukor does a fine and memorable job in directing but it's the acting and one of films finest screenplays that blows this film way ahead of most romantic comedies. It was originally a play by Philip Barry, and turned into one of the greatest screenplays heard on the silver screen. The screenplay was done by the masterful Donald Stewart. As you can see this is film at its very best and is probably never going to be forgotten. Was the above review useful to you? 5 out of 6 people found the following review useful: A turning point in Katharine Hepburn's career... 22 May 2016 *** This review may contain spoilers *** ... and IMHO just about a perfect romantic comedy. C.K.Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) had a short stormy marriage to Tracy Lord (Hepburn). Now she is about to marry George Kittredge (John Howard). Haven and Lord are old money elite. Kittredge is a guy who pulled himself up by his bootstraps...and he won't let anybody forget it. You never really know WHY Dexter agrees to help infiltrate and therefore sabotage Tracy's second marriage.

You never know if he intended to try and get her back -from the opening scene it seems their parting was pretty acrimonious. Or maybe he just knew that Kittredge was a drip and didn't want Tracy to suffer a lifetime of..well..being dripped on. At any rate he convinces the Lords into allowing two reporters from "Spy Magazine" to cover her wedding because the magazine publisher has a story all ready to go about Tracy's father's affair with a chorus girl if that coverage is not allowed. Since Haven, although he doesn't need the salary, works for the magazine too, this allows him to get back into the Lord household and do his best to ruffle Tracy's feathers. Tracy's problem and the reason that her first marriage broke up was her inability to see her own moral weaknesses while pointing out everybody else's. Tracy is completely to the manor born. When she discovers that one of the reporters (James Stewart as Macauley Conner) has written a beautiful book of poetry she asks him why he works for a cheap tabloid magazine instead of writing his own material. His reply is that he has to eat, and this answer rather stumps her. There are many complicating factors.

Tracy's dad is off with his mistress, so the Lords try to pass their uncle Wllly off as Mr. Lord to the reporters. When Tracy's dad returns unexpectedly they try to pass him off as uncle Willy. The two reporters (Stewart and Ruth Hussey) have some kind of low key romantic understanding, but then Macauley begins to become attracted to Tracy. Add alcohol and almost code busting complications and insinuations ensue. It really holds up today as a genuine romantic comedy and comedy of manners in which everybody displays authentic behavior and reactions in spite of that pesky production code. The only thing archaic and even somewhat repulsive is how Tracy's father tries to make his affair with the chorus girl all Tracy's fault. He tells her that when a man has a daughter that loves him in spite of his faults he doesn't go looking for that in his golden years in another woman. I wonder if Chelsea Clinton ever had these problems? But I digress. Let me just say one thing about James Stewart's Best Actor Oscar. Stewart was wonderful as a working man captivated by a woman from another world, who discovers that the rich are not all jerks, but he was definitely not the lead.

This was Grant and Hepburn's picture all of the way. The only thing I can figure is that the Academy felt that they did Stewart wrong the previous year by passing him over in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, and were making amends. I highly recommend this to anyone. If you are not into classic film and would like to be, this is a perfect place to start. Was the above review useful to you? 5 out of 6 people found the following review useful: Sophisticated and classic comedy!!! from United States 2 June 2001 A truly spectacular film that moves gracefully throughout the lives of several people of differing social class to create a smart and insightful comedy. The dialogue always brings me to the edge of my seat as I listen attentively to the fast-paced, cutting banter of Grant, Hepburn and Stewart. Tracy (Hepburn) is a young woman of "old money" about to marry a man who is "nouveau riche". Two working class stiffs (Stewart and Hussey) are reporters out to scoop this scandalous poor boy/rich girl story for a tabloid newspaper. When Tracy's first husband, C.K.

Dexter Haven (Grant), returns to win back his bride.....the fun begins. The chemistry between Hepburn and her two leading co-stars (Grant and Stewart) is palpable. Hepburn gives the performance of her career in a once in a lifetime role. The character of Tracy is vibrant and smart, with a unique sarcastic flair. C.K. Dexter Haven is dashing, witty and touchingly vulnerable. Grant is brilliant. Hussey and Stewart are equally great in their roles as the "every day man and woman" who have somehow managed to work their way to center stage to the social event of the year. Through it all, you will laugh at this delightful mix of people and recognize yourself in a little of each one of them. A delightful social commentary! Fun, fun, fun. If you enjoy great dialogue......you'll love this movie. Was the above review useful to you? 6 out of 8 people found the following review useful: Best Movie -- But Not Politically Correct! 1 September 2005 *** This review may contain spoilers *** The Philadelphia Story is my all-time favorite movie. Like Imbrie and champagne, I've never had enough of it!

The casting is probably what makes this movie great -- who could resist Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart all in one movie? Most of the supporting actors are superb, as well. Most of my kudos go to Virginia Weidler as Dinah, easily the most complex of all the characters in the film. Equally important and equally impressive, the dialog in this movie rivals The Princess Bride and others for wit and clarity. The story itself is light-hearted and fun, if you can leave your politics in your back pocket for a couple of hours. Remember, this film debuted in 1940 -- only a year after the publication of "Alcoholics Anonymous." So perhaps we can forgive Dexter for blaming his drinking problem on Tracy, and forgive Tracy for accepting the blame. I have a harder time forgiving Seth Lord for blaming his infidelity on Tracy's lack of warmth. What a load of crap! Even if he was influenced by her coldness, what's wrong with Dinah's love? In the end, a spouse cheats because he/she wants to. I've watched this movie enough times to tell you everything that's wrong with it -- politically, morally, in terms of continuity, and so on.

And I'll keep watching it because the great dialog and awesome performances make it worth it every time! Was the above review useful to you? Page 1 of 14: the philadelphia story_film - 必应 ▪ the philadelphia story(film) The Philadelphia Story The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 American romantic comedy film directed by George Cukor, starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn , and James Stewart and featuring Ruth Hussey. Based on the Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry, the film is about a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid magazine journalist. The socialite character of the play—performed by Hepburn in the film—was inspired by Helen Hope Montgomery Scott (1904–1995), a Philadelphia socialite known for her hijinks, who married a friend of playwright Philip Barry. Written for the screen by Donald Ogden Stewart and an uncredit ...

(展开) ted Waldo Salt, it is considered one of the best examples of a comedy of remarriage, a genre popular in the 1930s and 1940s, in which a couple divorce, flirt with outsiders and then remarry – a useful story-telling ploy at a time when the depiction of extramarital affairs was blocked by the Production Code. The film was Hepburn's first big hit following several flops, which had led to her being included on a 1938 list that Manhattan movie theater owner Harry Brandt compiled of actors considered to be "box office poison." She acquired the film rights to the play, which she had also starred in, with the help of Howard Hughes, in order to control it as a vehicle for her screen comeback. According to a Turner Broadcasting documentary MGM: When the Lion Roars, after MGM purchased the film rights they were skeptical about Hepburn's box office appeal, so L. B. Mayer took an unusual precaution by casting two A-list male stars (Grant and Stewart) to support Miss Hepburn. Nominated for six Academy Awards , the film won two; James Stewart for Best Actor and Donald Ogden Stewart for Best Adapted Screenplay.

It was remade in 1956 as a musical, retitled High Society. The Philadelphia Story was produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1995. The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 American romantic comedy film directed by George Cukor, starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart and featuring Ruth ... User rating: 4/5 · By 涅瓦纳 2012-12-23 · The Philadelphia Story 上映/ 发行日期 小椅子 不可思议 lp_8 > 查看全部23篇影评 © 2005－2016 douban.com, all rights reserved 北京豆网科技有限 ... The Philadelphia Story: Ardrossan Estate Pennsylvania inspired movie set to be carved up | Daily Mail Online Share this article Share Most of the land has been sold off or donated but current family representative and realtor Edgar Scott III, the society queen's grandson, has plans to divide up the remaining 360 acres for property development.

He revealed plans to build 87 new homes at a meeting with officials from Radnor Township on Monday - much to their dismay. Silver-screen legends: From left to right, John Howard, Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart star in George Cukor's screwball romance movie The Philadelphia Story Romantic moment: Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Samantha Lord Haven gets up close and personal with James Stewart who plays journalist Mike Connor High society: Hope Montgomery Scott and the Duke of Malborough dance in Palm Beach, Florida in 1939 Mr Scott wants a change to zoning codes in the area which will allow him to divide up the land into one-acre and quarter acres rather than the current rules which requires two acres, philly.com reported. The property is held by two trusts for the Montgomery-Scott-Wheeler family, according to MainLineToday . The mansion will remain owned by the family's trust. A previous plan to build 80 homes on 38 acres failed in 2007 after locals in Radnor Township complained. The township board had hoped to buy 65 acres to preserve as parks for the small Pennsylvanian community of around 31,000 people.

Historic: The estate has been on the market for six years since the death of Robert Montgomery Scott Disputes: People living in the town of Radnor are unhappy that the land surrounding the property is being divided up and sold off in portions Helen Hope Montgomery Scott, who passed away in 1995 aged 91, was once deigned the 'unofficial queen of Philadelphia's WASP oligarchy' by Vanity Fair. She was an avid fundraiser and a glamorous member of the upper echelons of society, mingling with aristocrats and royalty. She held lavish parties at Ardrossan which were attended by celebrities including Cole Porter and Katharine Hepburn - who later paid tribute to her on screen after buying the film rights to play The Philadelphia Story. The classic comedy starred Hepburn along with Cary Grant and James Stewart. It tells the story of Lord (Hepburn), a glittering socialite whose plans to marry her second husband become entangled when her first husband (Grant) and a tabloid journalist (Stewart) arrive on the scene. It won two Oscars and was later remade into the 1956 musical High Society starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.

Grand life: The property is a 50-room Georgian Revival manor named after the family's ancestral home in Ardrossan, Scotland Read more: The Philadelphia Story - Hollywood Masterpiece The Philadelphia Story (1940) James Stewart, Cary Grant and Katharine Heburn 'The Philadelphia Story' is a sophisticated romantic comedy film made in 1940, directed by George Cukor and starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart. The movie, which has become an evergreen classic, is based on the Broadway play of the same name by Philip Barry. 'The Philadelphia Story' is extraordinarily well-done and is regarded, not only as one of the best comedy movies ever made, but also as one of the great masterpieces of Hollywood film making. Its screenplay is sharp and bright and the three main stars are perfectly cast and perform at the peak of their powers. The film cleverly maintains a perfect balance between an outward veneer of elegance and sophistication whilst being outrageously funny and silly at the same time. The film was an enormous success on release and even today, retains much of its freshness.

It won Academy Awards for James Stewart for Best Actor, and for screenwriter Donald Ogden Stewart for Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie received four further nominations: for George Cukor for Best Director, Katharine Hepburn for Best Actress, Ruth Hussey for Best Supporting Actress, and for producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz for Best Picture. In 1995 it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. Cary Grant donated his $100,000 salary to British war relief. The movie was remade in 1956 as the musical 'High Society' starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, but, music aside, the remake is inferior to the original. Search Amazon for 'The Philadelphia Story' Plot The plot centres round the tangled web of relationships involving wealthy Philadelphia socialite, Tracy Lord, played by Katharine Hepburn. Cary Grant plays her ex husband, Dexter Haven, who still loves her, although she is getting married again to dull George Kittredge (played by John Howard). Covering this society wedding are reporters Macaulay Connor played by James Stewart and Elizabeth Imbrie played by Ruth Hussey.

Macaulay Connor eventually helps Tracy to see whom she truly loves. The twists and turns of the plot as the relationships between the main characters ebb and flow are many and provide much of the humor. The script is both intensely funny and touching at the same time. It abounds with quick-fire repartee and George Cukor directs with precision and wit and brings out scintillating performances from the wonderful cast. Production Barry's original play, written in 1939, was inspired by the real-life socialite and party girl, Hope Montgomery Scott, whose husband had been to school with Barry, and was written specifically for Katharine Hepburn. The play ran very successfully on Broadway for a full year starring Hepburn as Tracy Lord. The film rights were purchased by Howard Hughes and given to Hepburn. Their relationship had finished in about 1937 but they were still good friends. Hepburn in turn sold the rights to MGM for a reported $250,000 with the proviso that she reprise her leading role and that she could choose the director and cast.

As she had already been labelled "Box-Office Poison" by The Independent Film Journal, L B Mayer of MGM agreed to have two top male leads in addition to Hepburn. Her original choices were Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy but as neither were available, Grant and Stewart were cast. She also made the shrewd choice of George Cukor as director. She had already worked with him on two movies and the two would make a further seven films together. For the screenplay Hepburn chose Donald Ogden Stewart, a friend of Philip Barry, and a specialist at writing screen adaptations from stage plays. Filming began on 5 July, 1940 at MGM's Culver City studios, and lasted for just under six weeks. It was not put on general release until mid-January, 1941 in order not to jeopardise the receipts of the stage play which was until then touring the country. Main Cast

Question: The 1940 movie The Philadelphia Story starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and James Stewart was remade in 1956 as which musical?
Answer: HIGH SOCIETY